Development cooperation: democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

The European Parliament adopted the report drafted by Mr. José Manuel TORRES COUTO (PES, P) on the draft Council Regulation laying down the requirements for the implementation of development co-operation operations which contribute to the general objective of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. The amendments adopted are designed to broaden the scope of application of the Regulation by including : - the proper management of public affairs, - support for refugees and displaced persons, - support for initiatives in favour of the abolition of the death penalty and sexism. In the context of initiatives to promote basic democratic principles, the Parliament also called for particular support to be accorded to partners who undertake activities which encourage grassroots democracy. The Parliament also introduced an amendment to ensure that the tendering procedure would be adapted to the needs of small-scale operators (small NGOs, local administrations and public agencies). With respect to comitology, the Parliament called for the establishment of an advisory committee. Lastly, in relation to the budget, the Parliament deleted all reference (250 million Euros for the 1999-2004 period) in the draft Regulation as it felt that it was up to the budgetary authority (i.e. Parliament/Council) to decide on the financial envelope in the framework of the budgetary negotiations.�